Yellow Swans’ Gabriel Saloman Mindel Reveals Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

Gabriel Saloman Mindel, the guitarist and co-composer of beloved noise-drone duo Yellow Swans, is crowdfunding treatment for early Stage 4 lung cancer. Mindel, who has made solo music under the pseudonyms GMS and Sade Sade since Yellow Swans’ split in 2009, received the diagnosis after a health crisis last fall, his partner Aja Bond writes on a GoFundMe page. Funds will help cover “medical co-pays and bills, ongoing treatment costs, and supportive care,” as well as everyday needs, according to the listing.

Mindel writes in the fundraiser description, “Living in Minneapolis, I’m intensely aware of how much need there is—in the world and right outside my front door. I wouldn’t be asking for your help right now if I didn’t know it would truly make a difference in my fight. However you’re able to help, I’m so grateful.”

Yellow Swans released a string of albums in the 2000s held up as landmarks in experimental American music, including At All Ends and their swan song, Going Places. The duo reunited in 2023, and since then, they’ve been putting out a consistent stream of new and archival releases via Bandcamp. Yellow Swans will also play a few shows across Europe throughout the month. Check those dates out below.